Commemorative Reception of the 60th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea

On June 19, Prime Minister Ishiba attended the Commemorative Reception of the 60th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea, held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister made the following remarks.

"His Excellency Mr. PARK Cheol-Hee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Japan, and distinguished guests here tonight. I am Ishiba Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan. I am truly delighted to be attending this reception to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the ROK.

Sixty years ago, on June 22, 1965, the Treaty on Basic Relations Between Japan and the Republic of Korea was signed here, in Tokyo. The treaty, which laid the foundation for the normalization of diplomatic relations, opened the door to the relationship between our two countries that continues to this day.

Our bilateral relationship has gone through various periods leading up to today. However, there have always been wide-reaching exchanges between our two countries, which have steadily accumulated over time.

As I mentioned in my message at the symposium titled “The Wisdom of Korean Envoys to Japan,” such bilateral exchanges have continued because we are close neighbors, and because human beings have a natural desire to better understand their neighbor.

I realize again that it is the citizens of our two countries that have supported our bilateral relationship over the past 60 years. This year is also an opportunity to look ahead towards the next 60 years. Japan-ROK exchanges among members of the general public are at an all-time high, for both people from Japan heading to the ROK and people from the ROK coming to Japan. I feel optimistic about the future, seeing how natural these exchanges have become among the younger generation.

With regards to the relations between our two governments, we must continue to communicate closely for the stable development of Japan-ROK relations grounded in the foundation that our governments have built up over the years.

On a personal level, following a telephone talk with ROK President Lee Jae-myung, I had the opportunity to meet him face-to-face for the first time yesterday, in Kananaskis, Canada. We had a very good discussion while aligning our respective views toward the stable development of Japan-ROK relations in the future.

In addition to the cooperation our governments have built up over the years, Japan and the ROK face a number of challenges in common, including our declining birthrates, our shrinking populations, and regional revitalization. There are many areas where we can and must cooperate by sharing our knowledge and expertise.

I would like to further expand the scope of Japan-ROK cooperation and ensure that the exchanges we have cultivated are passed on to the next generation.

Amid the increasingly severe strategic environment surrounding Japan and the ROK, let us join hands and take a new step together toward a better future.

I sincerely wish for the further advancement of Japan-ROK relations and the continued good health of all those involved.

Thank you.”